Maialata: The Festival of the Pig

In the mountain towns of Northern Italy, winter brings more than frost on the hillsides and a fire in the hearth. Two weeks after the first full moon of the new year, farmers and friends come together for the Maialata. An age-old Italian celebration of the pig – “maiale” is Italian for pork – the feast is steeped in peasant traditions in accordance with folklore and biodynamic practices. All day the community would work together to butcher and prepare the local pigs, all night they would feast on the bounty of their labor.

In honor of this tradition Nostrana Chef and Owner Cathy Whims is partnering with us to bring the Italian festival of the pig to Oregon. Friends and pork aficionados will come together to create an experience normally reserved for farmers, butchers, and Italian villagers.

Winter months afford the natural refrigeration necessary to process an entire 500 pound animal into sausages, salumi, prosciutti, steaks, ribs, behemoth roasts, and ragus. Cathy, owner Rudy Marchesi and friends invite diners to participate in the entire process: stuffing sausage and making ravioli alongside some of Portland's best chefs while enjoying hand crafted cheese, charcuterie, and wine. Once we have prepared our meal, side by side, we will then gather in the wine cellar to indulge in a multi-course feast accompanied by Montinore’s wines, of course. Reservations required. Schedule to follow.

Venue:

Montinore Estate

Address:

3663 Southwest Dilley Road, Forest Grove, OR, 97116, United States

This event has passed.

Start:

February 16, 2014 11:00 am

End:

February 16, 2014 8:00 pm

Cost:

$150. Includes hands-on learning in butchering, sausage making, charcuterie, all things pork and wine, and gratuity.